Overloading Plugs. Advice please.

[aquarius moon]

So if I have a 13 amp power breaker or extension lead, does the whole lot have to add up to 13 amps or is it ok to have 4 x 13 amps plugged in?

For example can I plug 2 freezers into a 13 amp extension lead?

[DulwichFox]

Basically Your Extension lead plug should be fitted with a 13 amp Fuse.

This equates to 3,000 watts. (3KWt) Total Load.

A typical Fridge Freezer is 500 Watts.

So you can plug 2 Fridge Freezers into an extension lead. 1kw.

DulwichFox

[aquarius moon]

Thanks Foxy.

How do I know what about other things? Eg: tv, phone, clock, internet etc.?

[DulwichFox]

Those things do not consume much power

I'm out at the moment so not easy

To cut and paste link

If you Google Wattage of domestic appliances

You will get a list.

Computer / monitor / printer / modem / phone

All safe on one extension lead

Just don't plug kettles and toasters into same extension lead

Foxy

[DulwichFox]

If your extension lead is long

And wound on a drum it should be fully unwound

Like if you are using it in the garden for

Lawn mowers or hedge cutters

[DulwichFox]

And always use a isolator trip when using any power tools

Foxy

[aquarius moon]

I'm not interested in drum ones. Just the leads that can hold 2 or 3 plugs and at the moment 2 fridge freezers as neither can reach the power point. Don't know what an isolator trip is. Do you mean a power breaker?

[DulwichFox]

Yes same thing

[Simon Cyrene]

Hi aquarius moon

Some would say the other poster is correct, there is nothing wrong in what he writes technically, but goes against advice I used to give out as fire safety advice.

Try: London Fire Brigade > Fire Safety > Fire Safety At Home > Electrics > Overload Sockets or Socket Overload Calculator

Hope this helps.

[aquarius moon]

Thankyou Simon C.

Looked on the calculator but every thing is there except a fridge. I just want to know if I can plug a full size fridge freezer & a half size under counter freezer into the same extension lead if both are too far away from plug socket.

[El Pibe]

whilst we're on the subject, though its a bit late for this year. would it be advisable to put a 4 way extention on 5 amp plug for a 5 amp socket, and then plug a load of fairy lights into it?

[DulwichFox]

Hi Aquarius

Take a look at the back of your appliances.

There will be a label which will tell you the wattage.

If you are unsure, Use 2 Extension leads (if you have a double wall socket)

Then you will not overload either of them. but you should not have any problems.

If your wiring is up to date then the Ring Main will be able to handle that.

After all people have Fridges, Freezers, Kettles, Toasters plugged in to a ring main (breakfast Time)

Why has this situation occurred. Is this a temporary situation. Are you rearranging your kitchen. ???

Foxy

[aquarius moon]

Theres a label on the side of the fridge freezer saying 80W and 220-240 volts. Don't know about freezer at the mo.

Situation has occurred because kitchen is too small so I have some electrical appliances in the room next door which only has one double plug socket so I want to plug both things into the same one.